Middle Leadership in Educational Teams: Practices and Effects on the Development of Learning Communities

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Middle Leadership in Educational Teams: Practices and Effects on the Development of Learning Communities
Language: English
Authors: Generosa Pinheiro, Matias Alves
Source: International Journal of Educational Leadership and Management. 2024 12(3):271-295.
Availability: Hipatia Press. Claramunt, 4, Local 2 08030, Barcelona, Spain. Tel: +34-93-302-1226: e-mail: info@hipatiapress.com; Web site: https://hipatiapress.com/hpjournals/index.php/ijep/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 25
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Preschool Education
Elementary Secondary Education
Descriptors: Middle Management, Semantics, Team Teaching, Communities of Practice, Faculty Development, Educational Improvement, Administrator Role, Interpersonal Relationship, Teacher Collaboration, Collegiality, Work Environment, Preschool Education, Elementary Secondary Education, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: Portugal
ISSN: 2014-9018
Abstract: In a new context of management and teaching action, framed by the organisation of the school into educational teams, middle leaders can play a key role in promoting learning communities, teacher development and improving teaching. Therefore, it seems relevant to understand the practices of these leaders that make their leadership effective. To this end, we adopted a qualitative research paradigm, operationalised through a case study, combining a quantitative and qualitative approach. Thus, we articulated data analysis processes based on descriptive statistics, which we subjected to structural and semantic analysis and interpretation, with a qualitative approach, essentially based on content analysis, to delve into some unique contexts and the perspective of individual actors. After analysing the data, we conclude that educational team coordinators play a fundamental role in facilitating the interpersonal characteristics of learning communities, involving teachers in a more collaborative and collegial working environment. However, their role in facilitating teacher learning is weaker, which hinders their contribution to deepening teacher learning and changing classroom practices.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1454745
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In a new context of management and teaching action, framed by the organisation of the school into educational teams, middle leaders can play a key role in promoting learning communities, teacher development and improving teaching. Therefore, it seems relevant to understand the practices of these leaders that make their leadership effective. To this end, we adopted a qualitative research paradigm, operationalised through a case study, combining a quantitative and qualitative approach. Thus, we articulated data analysis processes based on descriptive statistics, which we subjected to structural and semantic analysis and interpretation, with a qualitative approach, essentially based on content analysis, to delve into some unique contexts and the perspective of individual actors. After analysing the data, we conclude that educational team coordinators play a fundamental role in facilitating the interpersonal characteristics of learning communities, involving teachers in a more collaborative and collegial working environment. However, their role in facilitating teacher learning is weaker, which hinders their contribution to deepening teacher learning and changing classroom practices.
ISSN:2014-9018